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CHURCH USHERS’ 
MANUAL 


A Handbook for Church Ushers 
and all Others who would Pro¬ 
mote the Spirit of Fellowship in 
the House of God 


By 

WILLIS 6. GARRETT, D. D. 


Pastor, First Presbyterian Churchy Miami, Fla . 



Chicago 


New York 


Fleming H. Revell Company 


London and Edinburgh 


A l <3 a 



Copyright, 1924, by 
FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY 


.Gc3 


Printed in the United States of America 


\*V 

New York: 158 Fifth Avenue 
Chicago: 17 North Wabash Ave. 
London: 21 Paternoster Square 
Edinburgh: 75 Princes Street 


OCT -9 1924 


©C1A808270 

~V\r+ I 


n auZ.uzi-. 


FOREWORD 


F EW forms of Christian service are 
adorned with loftier privileges or 
ladened with weightier obligations than 
that of ushering in the Church of Christ 
Whosoever is honoured with this office, should 
immediately declare himself for maximum 
efficiency. 

The usher is the Church’s official represen¬ 
tative of the host spirit—a side of Church 
expressional life which in too many cases has 
been neglected and has resulted to the serious 
detriment of the Church as a soul-gripping in¬ 
stitution. 

The usher cannot bear the whole burden of 
friendliness, but it is his privilege to stand in 
the gap to perform for the Church that which 
the Church as a whole cannot do for itself. 

Some men do well in this capacity without 
special training, but few there be who may not 
do better by giving the matter careful study. 
This, along with prayer and practice, will work 
wonders for any one who earnestly desires to 
be a good host in the house of God. 

3 


4 


Foreword 


The purpose of this Manual is to present in 
brief form some of the principles of ushering 
and of welcoming strangers at church services. 
It is little more than suggestive, but if rightly 
used, may give inspiration to all who are will¬ 
ing to be helped. At least it should aid to a 
better appreciation of the importance of this 
work. 

“Let brotherly love continue: be not for¬ 
getful to entertain strangers; for thereby some 
have entertained angels unawares ” (Heb. 13: 
1 , 2 ). 


Miami, Fla. 


W. O. G. 




CONTENTS 


I. The Usher 7 

II. The Head Usher ... 29 

III. The Ushers’ Association . 47 

IV. The Pastor and Governing 

Bodies.54 


5 












I 


THE USHER 

I. Starting Right 

1. The very foundation of efficiency in this 
work lies in having a right mental attitude to¬ 
ward it. Start right by seeing it in its large 
proportions. Weigh its values. Ponder over 
its possibilities. Be impressed with its im¬ 
portance. Hold it in high esteem. 

2. Think of it primarily as real Christian 
service. It is Kingdom work. You are work¬ 
ing under Divine orders. Take this as your 
working motto: “I serve the Lord Christ.” 
As you repeat it to yourself over and over 
again, the Spirit will direct you as you turn 
your attention to a guest. 

3. Resolve to give it the best that is in 
you. Measure up to your opportunity. Mag¬ 
nify the office with a whole-hearted service. 
“ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto 
the Lord and not unto men: knowing that of 
the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the 
inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” 
(Col. 3: 24). 


7 


8 


Church Ushers' Manual 


4. You are receiving guests in the Church 
of Christ. It is of utmost importance that 
Christ has first place in your own heart. 

5. Constantly recall that all Christian work 
is accomplished by the Holy Spirit. He works 
through human instrumentality. Therefore at 
the very start, surrender yourself to Him and 
give Him a chance to work wondrously 
through you. Mingle prayer with your serv¬ 
ice. Get on to your knees and actually talk to 
God about this. Consciously turn your 
thoughts often to Him while performing your 
duties. Trust and obey Him and your deeds 
will count eternally.' 

II. The Usher as Host 

(A) Meeting the guest, or the point of 
contact: 

1. Frequently remind yourself of the fact 
that the way in which things are done is often 
more important than the things themselves. 
This is true of church-ushering. 

2. Present a neat personal appearance. 
First impressions count much. A well- 
groomed host appeals to observant people, 
while one who is careless in this regard is oft- 
times repellent. Not that one should be fas- 




The Usher 


9 


tidious or fussy about his dress. Overdoing it 
is almost as bad as the other extreme. Neat, 
tasteful simplicity is what is wanted. 

3. Conduct yourself with an air of cul¬ 
tured dignity. This does not mean that you 
show stiffness or haughtiness, but merely that 
you go about your duties in such a way that 
others may perceive that you have an appre¬ 
ciation of the importance of your office. Note 
carefully that we do not say, “ the importance 
of yourself.” 

4. Do not entertain the idea that you have 
been chosen as an usher for your own pleasure 
or that the church may show you off to the 
guests. It is possible that you may have a 
pleasant time and also claim a certain amount 
of admiration while you are engaged in your 
work; but this will be incidental. You have 
been chosen because your fellow church mem¬ 
bers believe you know how to show the host 
spirit. Your duty is to make people comfort¬ 
able. Do not let self become mixed up in this 
or you will be a failure. 

5. Let your every expression convey the 
idea of friendliness. Without this you will 
never rank high as an usher. Put your heart 
into your service in such a manner that your 



10 


Church Ushers’ Manual 


guest will see and feel it. Envelop him in an 
atmosphere that will melt him into friendli¬ 
ness. Warm his heart at the very threshold. 

6. Shabby treatment at the church door 
will put many people into the strange mood 
of expecting shabby treatment from the pul¬ 
pit. It is a common observation that what a 
person looks for he generally finds. Play fair 
with your pastor. Do not spoil his auditors 
before he has a chance at them. 

7. Greet your guest by looking into his 
face. Generally a pleasant smile will claim 
one in response. If it does, you have done 
much toward putting him in a mood for mak¬ 
ing the best of all your church has to offer. 
At times it may be proper and profitable to 
speak a friendly word and sometimes to offer 
the hand before conducting him to a seat. You 
will find some few men who will respond en¬ 
couragingly to a hand laid upon the shoulder 
as you inquire their preference in seating. On 
the other hand, to some, this is very distaste¬ 
ful. Your guest is a human being; a person¬ 
ality. Meet him as such. 

8. Whenever you know the names of the 
people to whom you are ministering, make use 
of them. People like to be recognized and to 




The Usher. 


11 


be called by their names. “ Good-morning, 
Mr. Brown, may I show you to a seat? ” That 
is the kind of talk that Mr. Brown likes. With 
this in mind, an efficient usher will try to 
discover and retain in his memory the names 
of guests who are occasional worshipers. 
Even though he may have had no formal in¬ 
troduction, he is privileged as host to address 
them by name. Let him step up to such an 
one and say, “ Mr. Brown, I believe? We are 
glad to have you with us. May I show you to 
a seat ? ” That is the kind of treatment that 
will make Mr. Brown a regular worshiper. 

9. A warning against undue familiarity 
may not be out of place. Be friendly without 
intruding yourself upon your guest to any de¬ 
gree of offense. Use judgment and tact. Peo¬ 
ple are different. Study each guest with a 
view to pleasing. 

10. Do not assume a patronizing air. Be 
manly. Be sincere. Be friendly from the 
heart outward. 

11. Never embarrass a guest. It doesn't 
matter how wrong he may be, in what he does 
or does not do. Under no circumstance let 
him know that you think he is wrong. You 
are not there to administer discipline, but to 



12 


Church Ushers 9 Manual 


make him comfortable. Circumstances and 
conditions do not alter your duty. If you feel 
that he does not deserve consideration, your 
part is to control your feelings and play the 
part of a good host. 

12. Make no exceptions in the display of 
courtesy, even when guests are unresponsive 
and cold and when they meet your proper ad¬ 
vances with a rebuff. It may require a special 
effort on days when your own physical and 
mental condition is subnormal; at times when 
you are most susceptible to irritation. It will 
not be hard, however, if you say to yourself, 
“ I serve the Lord Christ.” 

13. Guard against favoritism. Show no 
more attention to rich than to poor. Receive 
the latter with the same Christian cordiality. 
If these seem ill at ease because of the contrast 
in dress and condition, take special pains to 
make them comfortable; and especially let them 
know that they are most welcome. “ Be ye of 
the same mind one toward another. Mind not 
high things but condescend to men of low 
estate” (Rom. 12: 16). The same should be 
said regarding showing favoritism to friends. 

14. Steer clear of ruts. Do not handicap 
your usefulness by being satisfied with any- 



The Usher 


13 


thing which might be made better. Keep 
growing. Do not say the same thing to every 
one. Do not call every man “ Brother ” or 
“ Friend/’ Be original. Do things differently. 
It may not be easy at first, but a little determi¬ 
nation and practice will bring results. 

(B) Seating the guest: 

1. Study your room. Know where every 
available seat is. As soon as you have seated 
one party, determine where you will place the 
next. Be prepared before the guests arrive. 
It is embarrassing for one to be kept standing 
midway up the aisle while the usher frantically 
searches for a seat. 

2. It is well enough for you to have your 
own ideas as to where people should be seated, 
but do not forget that your principal duty is 
to make them comfortable. If their manner 
or words lead you to think that they are par¬ 
ticular about where they are to sit, quietly ask 
if they have any preference. However, do not 
make the mistake of asking everybody. Most 
people will prefer your own decision. 

3. Generally speaking, the audience should 
be seated well forward. This needs special 
consideration when the attendance is small in 




14 


Church Ushers' Manual 


comparison with the seating capacity of the 
room. It is a great relief to the speaker to 
have his auditors close to him. Most people, 
if handled tactfully, do not object to being 
seated in the center or even near the front of 
the room. It is a great deal better for the 
usher to take them forward at the time of their 
entrance than to have the speaker beg them to 
come forward later in the service. 

4. When, on any occasion the audience is 
very small, the usher can, with tactful handling, 
seat the people in such a way as to give the 
impression that many more are present than is 
actually the case. Instead of seating them 
close together in one or two sections of the 
room, endeavour to scatter them about, putting 
very few in each pew. The^impression which 
can thus be gained is valuable. It is a matter 
of useful psychology in which not only the 
audience is affected, but the speaker as well. 
Of course judgment should be exercised in 
this; for the suggestion is of value only up to 
a certain point. 

5. There is a special reason why strangers 
should be induced to sit toward the front, pro¬ 
vided it is not distasteful to them. It gives 
the home people a better chance to greet them. 




The Usher 


15 


They must mingle with them as they go out 
After sitting in the back seats it is so easy for 
them, at the close of the service, to slip out 
without having received much attention. 

6. When practical, seat strangers in pews 
occupied by church members. It is a little 
more like being taken into the church family 
life. If occasion permits, it is well to intro¬ 
duce one to the other. 

7. It is a safe rule to select front seats for 
elderly people. However, even here you must 
be observant; for, many in advanced years are 
unimpaired in hearing and prefer other loca¬ 
tions. Keep your eyes open. Don’t be handi¬ 
capped by a rule. 

8. People carrying ear trumpets or those 
who otherwise show signs of deafness, should 
have the privilege of seats close to the speaker. 
They should be placed in front of him and not 
at one side. If the church is so fortunate as to 
be equipped with special instruments to enable 
the deaf to hear, seat your guest where one 
can be used. 1 Be careful to see that the in- 

1 The best instrument with which the author has had 
experience is the Church Acousticon, manufactured by 
the Dictograph Products Corp., 220 W. 42nd St., New 
York City. 



16 


Church Ushers 3 Manual 


strument is properly adjusted and that the 
principles of its use are fully explained. 

9. Watch your step. Do not walk too 
rapidly. Some ushers give the appearance of 
running a foot race. It does not look well to 
run away from your guest. Keep but a pace 
or two in front of him. 

10. If a guest is feeble or walks with diffi¬ 
culty, or seems near-sighted, it is proper for 
you to offer your arm in assistance: especially 
should you do this if there are steps to be en¬ 
countered. 

11. During prayer, the reading of the 
Scriptures or the rendition of special musical 
numbers, all newcomers should be quietly de¬ 
tained in the vestibule or at the door. To es¬ 
cort them to seats at such a time is to disregard 
proper church decorum to the disturbance of 
all who are worshiping, as well as of those 
who are speaking or singing. 

12. When seats are limited in number, see 
that each pew is seated to capacity. Sometimes 
people spread themselves over more than their 
entitled share. A friendly manner and a 
courteous suggestion usually makes room for 
another without giving offense. 

13. When rearrangements are to be made 




The Usher. 


17 


to admit another person to the pew, the usher 
should personally attend to the matter, remain¬ 
ing on the ground until the change has been 
made. Under no circumstances should he 
merely direct a newcomer to such a pew and 
then leave him to push in as best he may. 

14. Always conduct your guest to his seat. 
Never direct him. A pointing finger is a mark 
of a poor usher. It is not to be considered as 
a help, but as a hindrance in ushering. 

15. There will be times when you will need 
all your wits. Special occasions will bring 
crowds. If seats are at a premium, they may 
be pushing crowds. If you are to master the 
situation, you must have yourself well in hand. 
When many are waiting to be seated, make it 
clear how many are to follow you. You may 
have in a certain section, seats for a definite 
number of people—two, three, four, as the case 
may be. Do not start off heading a procession 
of a dozen or more. Courteously make it 
known who are to be escorted and who are to 
remain until you return. You will save much 
confusion and embarrassment. 

16. Another experience which calls for 
presence of mind is to have your guest slip 
into a seat of his own choosing, allowing you 




18 


Church Ushers' Manual 


to continue up the aisle alone. Do not make 
the mistake of showing any displeasure at this. 
Accept the situation gracefully. Do not take 
it as a personal affront. It really is not a 
serious matter. If there is any change in your 
expression, let it be nothing more than a smile. 
This will put everybody at ease. 

17. Some time when you are engaged or 
somewhat off your guard, a guest may pass 
you unobserved and timidly start up the aisle 
searching for a seat. If you discover that this 
has happened, go quickly to his side and, with 
grace, play the part of a host. You may be 
sure it will be well received; and you will 
likely be looked upon as the proverbial “ friend 
in need.” Even if the person is being seated, 
when first observed, the courteous thing, pro¬ 
vided the service has not yet begun, would be 
for you to go to him and express regret for 
the seeming neglect. It will show your in¬ 
terest in him and no one can say how great 
good will grow out of it. 

(C) Attending to the comfort of the 
guest: 

1. Finding a seat for your guest does not 
terminate your responsibility. He is your 




The Usher 


19 


guest for the entire service. You are tied up 
to him. Do not forget him. 

2. He should have everything he needs for 
the service; hymn-book, Bible, programs, bulle¬ 
tin, fan, etc., etc. 

3. You should always know what hymn 
has been announced or is being sung. When 
offering a hymn-book, have it open at the right 
place. When pressure of duties makes this 
impossible, you should at least tell him the 
number of the hymn. The same applies to all 
other parts of the service in which the congre¬ 
gation participates; for example, the responsive 
reading. Whenever a special program is being 
rendered, it will mean much to the guest who 
has come a little late, if, as you place in his 
hands the printed program, you indicate the 
item thereon which is being rendered. Of 
course after a while he could find it for him¬ 
self, but your action will be one more proof 
that yours is a church “that cares.” Little 
courtesies make a good host. 

4. If you have any reason to think that one 
whom you have seated is uncomfortable, seek 
to discover the reason and endeavour to 
remedy it. He may be sitting in a draft; or 
possibly he would appreciate having a near-by 




20 


Church Ushers 3 Manual 


window opened; or having a fan placed in his 
hands. It may be a case of an overcrowded 
pew or some similar situation just as easily 
met. If he suffers neglect in any of these 
particulars, your good treatment of him upon 
his entrance will be largely discounted. 

5. Of course it would be unwise to be run¬ 
ning around asking each person if he is com¬ 
fortable. That would be a good way to make 
some people uncomfortable. Usually, in such 
matters the state of one’s feelings is indicated 
by certain signs which are very close to the sur¬ 
face. Generally, to keep informed, you will 
need no more than your eyes. Of course you 
will have to keep them open. 

6. Special effort should be made, when at¬ 
tending to his comfort during the service to 
attract as little attention as possible, lest others 
be disturbed, to the embarrassment of your 
guest. 

(D) The after touch: 

1. The pronouncement of the benediction 
does not necessarily mean that the usher’s work 
is done. It may be just well begun. The true 
host not only greets his guest upon his arrival 
and looks after his pleasure and comfort while 




The Usher 


21 


he remains, but he also shows for him a 
friendly concern at his departure. The “ fare¬ 
well ” may mean as much as the initial greet¬ 
ing. When it is lacking, one's hospitality may 
be thought incomplete. 

2. In many cases real good can be accom¬ 
plished by speaking a word to the guest as he 
passes down the aisle or through the doorway: 
i. e. —“ Mighty glad to have had you with us 
this morning.” “ Hope you will come again.” 
“ I understand we shall have something good 
here to-night.” “ Hope you enjoyed the serv¬ 
ice.” “ Going to look for you next week.” 
“ Would you like to meet our pastor? ” “ We 
have a fine church plant here; I wonder if you 
care to look it over? ” All of this means at¬ 
tention, which reaches the heart. It wins. 

3. This will prove a favourable time for 
gleaning information which may add to the 
greater usefulness of the church. Have your 
book and pencil ready for names and addresses 
of prospective members; to make note of cases 
of the sick and troubled who would appreciate 
the pastor's attention and of any other facts 
which your pastor would be glad to have. 

4. Should it ever happen that a visitor 
whom you have seated with others has re- 




22 


Church Ushers 3 Manual 


ceived from them some rebuff or sign of in¬ 
hospitality, you must make a special effort to 
overcome the effect of such treatment. Get in 
touch with him at the close of the service and 
express your regrets at the occurrence. As¬ 
sure him that it was not typical of the general 
church life. Extend a warm invitation for 
him to return at any early date; and unhesi¬ 
tatingly promise him a more pleasing recep¬ 
tion. No loss of dignity ever accompanies the 
frank acknowledgment of a mistake. 

5. The highest service one can do for an¬ 
other is to lead him to Christ. As an usher, 
you will have many opportunities for this kind 
of service. You will look into the faces of 
many who will crave a personal word about 
their soul’s salvation. What an opportunity 
you have to follow up the evangelistic plea of 
the pulpit! You will find when speaking to 
individuals about the church services that it is 
not a far step to the matter of their own re¬ 
lationship to Christ and His Church. Make it 
a rule that you will speak to at least one person 
every Sunday, and to more if possible. Put 
prayer into it and you will be surprised what 
God will do through you. The true host gives 
his best to the guest. This is the Church’s best, 




The Usher 


23 


—eternal life in Christ. This is the “ after 
touch ” that extends through eternity. 

III. The Usher and His Co-Workers 

(A) Relations to the head usher: 

1. Be a good soldier. Respect the com¬ 
mands of the Head Usher. If he stations you 
in an obscure place, do not grumble because 
you would rather be in the central aisle. Make 
it easy for him to execute his plans, even 
though this means that many of your own need 
be changed. 

2. Perform your service in the section of 
the room allotted to you. Do not go into an¬ 
other usher’s territory. If you discover a 
needy spot outside your own, report the same 
to the Head Usher and let him direct his forces 
as seems best to him. 

3. Back him up by being dependable. Keep 
your word or promise at any cost. Always 
remember that he is counting upon you. Be 
conscientious; for “ Ye serve the Lord Christ.” 

4. Being on time in this work is always 
considered a mark of efficiency. Your chief 
will probably lay great stress upon this. If 
this means reporting for duty twenty to thirty 
minutes before the commencement of the serv- 



24 


Church Ushers 9 Manual 


ice, do not look upon it as a hardship ; but re¬ 
spond to his wishes with a willing and a per¬ 
sistent fidelity. 

5. If you find that for good reasons you 
cannot be at your post of duty, notify your 
chief at the very earliest possible moment so 
that he can fill your place with a substitute. 
Do not fail him at this point. 

6. Help your superior officer to bring the 
standard of the work to as high a point as 
possible. Study the whole problem. Seek for 
fruitful ideas and pass them on to him with 
promptness. However, do not dictate or in¬ 
dulge in uncharitable criticism. 

7. One of the hardest things the Head 
Usher has to do is to make changes in his 
working force. He sometimes finds men bet¬ 
ter qualified than some already serving him, 
yet he hesitates to make the change because so 
many men take it as a personal injury to be 
superseded by another. You can help him 
much by yielding to his judgment in the in¬ 
terest of the church. Make it easy for him to 
perform his duty in this regard. 

(B) Relations to his fellow ushers: 

1. It is of the highest importance that a 



The Usher 


25 


good spirit shall exist between all who are 
engaged in this work. Let nothing suggestive 
of jealous rivalry ever appear. “ Be kindly af- 
fectioned one to another; in honour preferring 
one another.” 

2. Be especially thoughtful and consider¬ 
ate of those who have had little experience in 
ushering. Encourage them in every way and 
watch for opportunities to helpfully share your 
own experience with them. 

3. Remember, team work counts. You are 
yoked with others in a common task. Pull 
your share of the load without complaint. Do 
not shirk or shift responsibility. 

IV. The Usher and His Fellow Church 
Members 

1. The same courtesy should be shown to 
the fellow church member and regular at¬ 
tendant as to the stranger. Be just as con¬ 
siderate and as eager to make comfortable in 
one case as in the other. Serve him in every 
way possible. Be big-hearted and gracious. 
Kindness cheers the hearts of one's own as 
much as it does those from without the family 
circle. Indiscriminate kindness helps to make 
the home atmosphere. 




26 


Church Ushers ’ Manual 


2. Cultivate the happy art of “missing” 
people. People are delighted in learning that 
they have been missed. Therefore, when you 
observe that regular attendants are absent, make 
a note of the fact so that upon their return, 
you can say, “ We missed you last week; hope 
you were not ill; glad to have you back again, 
etc., etc.” 

3. It should be your constant aim to foster 
the spirit of hospitality throughout the entire 
church. Consider this one of your duties. 
Everybody helps to make the atmosphere of 
the church. The important thing is to inspire 
every one with a common hospitable aim. It is 
your duty to disseminate the seeds of enthu¬ 
siasm. 

4. The best way to go about this is to talk. 
Be a promoter. Sell the idea of the hospitable 
spirit. Talk to individuals, to groups, and to 
organizations. Convince them that warm¬ 
hearted friendliness in the church pays big 
spiritual dividends. Ask individuals how 
many strangers they spoke to that day. Then 
show them that they should strive for more 
activity along this line. At a subsequent date 
check up on them. You can lead most of 
them to promise greater fidelity in the matter. 




The Usher 


27 


Do this, and you will start something worth 
while. Some of the icicles in your church will 
begin melting and folks on the outside will 
say, “We have found a church that suits us. 
We feel at home in it. It is a great comfort 
to worship in such a place.” 

5. Some of your members will need to be 
constantly reminded of this duty. Watch for 
such before the service. Sometimes they can 
be spurred up to good work by a reminder 
such as the following: “ Say, Mr. Blank, there 
are a lot of strangers here to-day. We want 
you to do your part in giving them a hearty 
welcome at the close of the service.” 

6. Give special attention to those members 
who appear to be lacking in this friendly spirit. 
If you have observed them treating a church 
guest in an indifferent manner, endeavour to 
have a friendly chat with them at some suit¬ 
able time and tactfully drop some practical 
hints regarding the church's responsibility for 
its guests. Relate incidents showing good that 
has come from simple courtesies. You will 
find few indeed, who are intractable. Try to 
make their hearts glow by this recital of the 
attractive possibilities of church friendliness. 



28 


Church Ushers 3 Manual 


The issue will seldom be in doubt. Most of 
them can be led out of selfishness and thought¬ 
lessness into soulful cordiality. 

V. In Conclusion 

We stop where we began. You have a 
man’s job. There is nothing little about it. 
Its possibilities are unlimited. It is worthy 
of your best effort; for “Ye serve the Lord 
Christ.” Determine right here that He is go¬ 
ing to have your best. “ Study to show thy¬ 
self approved unto God, a workman that need- 
eth not to be ashamed.” 



II 

THE HEAD USHER 

I. Vision 

1. Few things are of greater value to any 
leader than the mental grasp of the possibilities 
of his work. This is a matter of vision; the 
ability to understand relative values and to 
see beyond the actual. It makes for progress. 
It brings things up to their maximum worth. 
This is the starting point for you as Head 
Usher. You must properly esteem its oppor¬ 
tunity and the responsibility that is yours. 
Start out with a worthy vision. The best place 
for you to obtain this is upon your knees, for 
after all this is God’s work and He is the in¬ 
spiring leader. 

2. It is of real importance that you see 
this work as true Christian service; as chosen 
by Christ to lead others in the matter of repre¬ 
senting Him as host in His Church. He wants 
to cheer hearts through friendly interest in 
order that some may thus be led to find Him 
as Saviour and that all may worship Him. Do 
not listen to the suggestion that yours is a 
small service. 


29 


30 


Church Ushers 9 Manual 


3. You must always, in the performance 
of your duty, think of yourself as host; and 
of the visitor as your guest. This is a tender 
relationship. It calls for heart exercise. Mere 
perfunctoriness, it matters not how exact it 
may be, does not make a host. You are re¬ 
quired not only to be polite, but to be con¬ 
siderate and to show warm interest. The vi¬ 
sion of the host ideal must be before you and 
your helpers all the time. 

4. Think of your guests as worshipers. 
You, therefore, will desire to receive them and 
care for them in such a way that they will be 
attuned for worship and fellowship. It is well 
to remember that their spiritual activities will 
sometimes be determined by their mental states 
and even by their bodily comfort. 

5. There is no element in the vision of 
your work quite so important as that which 
links each guest with Christ. You will not 
know, as strangers come to you, whether they 
are professed followers of Christ or not; but 
your heart should be moved with desire that 
such as are not, may, that very day, be led 
close to Him. Christ yearned over the multi¬ 
tude as “ sheep not having a shepherd.” Even 
so, should all who have accepted Him, and 




The Head Usher 


31 


especially those who represent Him, as you and 
your co-workers are called upon to do,—even 
so should you yearn and work for their souls' 
salvation. This evangelistic motive will add 
spirit and worth to your service. 

6. Constantly call to mind that God uses 
His servants. This will not only keep you 
humble, but will inspire you with courage. 
There is no greater assurance of success than 
the abiding consciousness that God is using 
you. This calls for the consecration of every 
talent, absolute trust, and whole-hearted obe¬ 
dience. 

II. Generalship 

(A) Organization: 

1. Head Usher: 

In some small churches the ushers may num¬ 
ber not over two. Even in these cases one 
should be designated Head Usher; for it cen¬ 
ters responsibility and assures the church of 
greater efficiency in receiving guests. All 
churches should have a Head Usher. 

2. Assistants: 

If the church is large enough to warrant it, 
the Head Usher should have one or more spe¬ 
cial assistants. These might be designated, 




32 


Church Ushers 9 Manual 


first, second, etc. These are to aid the Head 
Usher in any way he may designate. When, 
for any reason he cannot be at his post, he 
would naturally direct one of these to act in 
his stead. 

3. Ushers: 

(a) These should be carefully chosen by the 
Head Usher, with a view to their ability and 
the church’s need. 

( b ) In choosing your workers, always rec¬ 
ognize that the first qualification is Christian 
character. Then comes ability. You may be 
tempted to put ability first. You may argue 
with yourself that unless a man has ability 
he will never make an usher; it matters not 
how good he is. That may be true; but there 
is something else to be said. Here is the safe 
rule: When possible, pass by both the good 
man who lacks ability to learn how to usher 
and the able man who is not living true to 
Christ. 

( c ) As to the age of the men selected, much 
depends upon circumstances. In the smaller 
churches you cannot confine yourself to a 
single group. Personality should have pre¬ 
cedence over age. A rule is observed in many 
churches to use the older men at the morning 





The Head Usher 


33 


service and young men at .night. When using 
young men it might be well to have some older 
ones to first welcome the guests and then turn 
them over to the younger men. 

( d ) In some churches in order to put more 
men to work as well as to protect against mak¬ 
ing the work arduous, several groups of men 
may be selected. This permits using one group 
for morning and another for evening; or one 
group for one month and then another for a 
succeeding period. The advisability of this 
plan depends largely upon local conditions. 

( e ) After you have decided what plan you 
will follow, carefully determine the exact 
number of men you will need. Appoint these 
and no more, but try always to keep the ranks 
full. This applies to the Reserves as well as 
to the Ushers. It is not a good thing to let 
the impression get abroad that anybody and 
everybody in the church may help in this work 
if he wants to serve. This is one explanation 
why some churches have such a difficult time 
getting anybody to serve. It has a salutary 
effect to let it be known that it is a picked 
body of men, and that it is a position of real 
honour as well as of responsibility. 

(/) Consult your pastor about the personnel 




34 


Church Ushers* Manual 


of*your ushering force. Go over the list of 
members frequently. Keep an up-to-date list 
of possible candidates. Use new members as 
well as old. Wherever possible get hold of the 
man who is not doing anything else in the 
way of church work. It will do him good and 
also help you, for he will have more time to 
devote to the work. Do not overwork those 
who already have too much to do. Accept the 
challenge of developing new material. 

4. Reserves: 

{a) This provision for a wider efficiency 
should be more generally adopted. The idea 
is to have a list of qualified men, to be known 
as Usher Reserves, for substitute work and 
special service. It provides for unexpected 
emergencies as well as acting as a training 
class for the inexperienced. 

( h) It should be understood that to have 
one’s name upon this list is not an assurance 
of later appointment as a regular usher. The 
only rule of priority should be ability and fit¬ 
ness. 

5. Welcome Committee: 

(a) In addition to your regular ushers it 
may be advisable to appoint a special commit¬ 
tee of men and women to be stationed in the 




The Head Usher, 


35 


vestibule or other suitable place for greeting 
the people as they enter the building. There 
should not be too many of these on duty at 
one time, especially if they operate at a com¬ 
mon point. You must guard against overdo¬ 
ing this form of hospitality. A visitor might 
be greatly cheered by a friendly word from 
one or two, whereas a committee, say of five, 
might give the impression of professionalism 
and might make the guest feel as though he 
had run a veritable gauntlet. However, if 
this committee be composed of the right num¬ 
ber of tactful, whole-souled men and women, 
it will prove of inestimable value. 

( b ) This committee should be under the ap¬ 
pointment and full supervision of the Head 
Usher. Experience will show that its per¬ 
sonnel should be frequently changed so that 
new faces will greet the guest at later visits. 
This suggestion likewise provides for putting 
more people to work. 

( c ) Another way to use this committee is 
to have its members seated at regular intervals 
throughout the church. At the close of the 
service they are to see that the strangers within 
their sections have special attention. This is 
one of the best systematic methods of welcom- 



36 


Church Ushers’ Manual 


ing visitors that have been devised. The protec¬ 
tion of the crowd saves one from the mark 
of professionalism or of the performance of 
duty by appointment rather than by the spon¬ 
taneity of heart compulsion. This natural pro¬ 
tection of the crowd likewise enables you to put 
to work wholesome characters who draw back 
from service that gives them publicity. They 
can do this work without any one around them, 
even their friends, knowing that they are serv¬ 
ing upon a committee. 

(B) Plan of work: 

1. The Head Usher or his assistants should 
be the first to receive the guests upon their 
entrance into the auditorium. He gives to 
these some fitting sign of recognition and wel¬ 
come. He then turns them over to the friendly 
attention of his ushers. Frequently, where 
occasion calls for it, he will add words of di¬ 
rection as to special attention to be shown. 
As a general rule, he will do no ushering him¬ 
self ; though on occasion he may if he desires. 
His principal duty, after having received the 
guest, is to direct the activities of his corps of 
helpers. 

2. If there are several doors of entrance 




The Head Usher 


37 


he must assign his assistants to man each of • 
them. It will be their duty to remain at the 
doors to receive the guests and turn them over 
to the helping ushers. These assistants should 
not do the ushering themselves; lest, while they 
are absent from their post, a guest enter the 
church without reception. In some instances 
in large churches where there are several en¬ 
trances it is best for the Head Usher to con¬ 
fine himself to no one of them, but to keep in 
touch with all. 

3. Assign definite work to each usher. 
Mark out his territory with exactness and hold 
him responsible for the same. Discourage his 
wandering into the territory of others; and at 
the same time protect him in his rights with 
respect to his own. 

4. It is true that at a certain time after 
the commencement of the service very few peo¬ 
ple will arrive. Do not, however, allow all the 
ushers to find seats for themselves and become 
absorbed in the service. There is always the 
possibility of late comers. They should have 
attention, both for their own comfort and also 
for the sake of the congregation, lest disturb¬ 
ance arise because of embarrassed search for 
seats. The Head Usher should therefore see 




38 


Church Ushers’ Manual 


to it that some one or more of the ushers re¬ 
main on duty through the entire service. One 
person stationed in the vestibule might be able 
to handle the matter alone. If this prevents 
participation in the service, a system of rota¬ 
tion might be devised so that this duty would 
come only occasionally to each man. 

5. If on special occasions, such as at early 
vesper services, you grant to the worshipers 
the liberty of the house, allowing them to 
choose their own seats, do not overlook the 
fact that this will be considered an act of 
courtesy only so long as they can find seats 
with ease. As the room fills up you must be 
prepared to render them assistance. This 
means that at every public service you must 
have some of your ushers on hand to repre¬ 
sent the church as host. It should also be 
noted that when this privilege of free choice 
is to be granted, all guests should be greeted 
at the door upon their entrance and informed 
of this fact. 

6. All communications with the pulpit, 
choir, etc., should be made through the Head 
Usher. It makes a bad impression upon visi¬ 
tors to see various members of the congrega¬ 
tion going into the pulpit to speak to the pas- 




The Head Usher 


39 


tor or to place announcements in his hands. 
Order should be one of the honoured rules of 
the house of God. By announcement in the 
printed bulletin and also from the pulpit, the 
congregation should be informed and trained 
in this matter. Let it be generally understood 
that all such communications are to be through 
the Head Usher or one of his assistants whom 
he designates. 

7. Some churches maintain a guest reg¬ 
ister in the church parlour or vestibule. This 
should come under the jurisdiction of the 
Head Usher. He should assign one person to 
look after it and to invite guests to inscribe 
their names. 

8. One pleasing feature of church usher¬ 
ing is that it needs very little special material 
equipment. It is a personal proposition. 
With a consecrated heart, mind, and body, one 
is ready for work. The Head Usher should, 
however, pay some attention to the personal 
appearance of his helpers. Sometimes it is 
possible and good to adopt a uniform style of 
dress. For example, all might wear dark 
clothes with same style of collar and cravat. 
In some of our largest city churches all the 
ushers are groomed with frock coats. In 




40 


Church Ushers' Manual 


summer, light trousers with dark sack coats, or 
white suits give pleasing effects. This matter 
of uniformity, however, is of small importance 
and many situations do not call for it. Neat¬ 
ness and cleanliness should, however, be in¬ 
sisted upon. A simple custom followed in 
many churches is that of each usher’s wearing 
a tiny flower upon his coat lapel. It might 
be advisable in some instances as a help in 
designating ushers, for them to wear simple 
badges made up of a plain gold bar or mono¬ 
gram pin with a modest ribbon attached with 
suitable words printed on it as “ Head 
Usher,” “Assis’t Usher,” “Usher.” This 
should be in as good taste as possible and 
should never be worn for mere show. 

9. A good deal of responsibility rests on 
the Head Usher in the matter of enlisting the 
cooperation of the members of the congrega¬ 
tion in exercising general hospitality. This 
can partially be done by personal work upon 
his part, assisted by his corps of workers. He 
should frequently lay this duty upon his help¬ 
ers and systematically lead them in a campaign 
to awaken the whole membership. 

10. As a help in this hospitality campaign, 
the Head Usher and all his assistants should 




The Head Usher 


41 


be acquainted with the best literature upon 
church hospitality. Copies of such should al¬ 
ways be kept on hand for circulating among 
the membership. Some certain book might be 
chosen for the purpose. Then each one on 
the ushering force should obtain a copy and 
make it his business to put it into the hands 
of the people. Require them each month to 
report of all whom they have persuaded to 
read it. In addition to this, the Head Usher 
might address a circular letter to every mem¬ 
ber of the church presenting a program of 
host activities. 

There is no limit to the good that may be 
accomplished if one or two are willing to work. 
It will take time and energy and perseverance. 
But remember, “ Ye serve the Lord Christ.” 

(C) Standards of work: 

1. Standards count. A high standard plus 
an honest whole-hearted effort to adhere 
thereto, in the end, means efficiency. Slipshod 
methods always mean a mediocre type of serv¬ 
ice. Why not the best, when it is a possi¬ 
bility? You can have it, namely, a church 
that cares; a church that is actively true to 
Christ in its loving expression among and for 




42 


Church Ushers 9 Manual 


its own membership and every stranger within 
its gates; a church with a corps of ushers so 
well trained that they know how and never 
fail to properly exemplify the host spirit 
within the house of God. This is a possibility 
for your church. The only question is “ What 
do you actually want ? ” 

2. The starting place for the Head Usher 
in this matter of standards of work is with 
the Head Usher himself. Do not impose 
standards upon your helpers until you have 
laid down a worthy one for yourself. Think 
it through. Determine the part you should 
play and then hold yourself rigidly to it. 

3. Help your ushers to see the heights of 
possibility; and then inspire them with desire 
for attainment. Do more than this. As their 
leader, see that they do attain. You must hold 
them to the standard. With friendly tact, yet 
with firmness, see to it that none of your as¬ 
sistants fall into careless ways. Of course you 
must guard against a narrow and inflexible 
discipline. This must be administered in a 
winning way. Sometimes this will mean that 
it will be more casual than direct. The great¬ 
est good will come, not from constantly deal- 



The Head Usher. 


48 


ing with trifles, but by conveying to them in¬ 
spiration for general and large efficiency. 

4. Require faithfulness in their attendance 
to duties. They should take their work seri¬ 
ously. You will probably have a rule requir¬ 
ing them to report for duty not later than 
twenty minutes or more before the hour of 
service. See that this rule is always respected. 
This is of prime importance and you must be 
very emphatic in enforcing this regulation. If 
any of the ushers absent themselves too fre¬ 
quently from their post, or, if knowing that 
they must be absent, they fail to report it to 
you in time for securing a substitute, tactfully 
endeavour to lead them to better habits. If 
after reasonable effort you fail, it is your duty 
to replace them with men who will be more 
faithful. 

5. While holding the standard high, do not 
expect every man to show proficiency at the 
start. It takes a little time for self-conscious¬ 
ness to wear away and for acquiring all of the 
principles. However, expect growth and do 
your part to secure it. 

6. You should study each man. Observe 
the way he does his work. Then in a tactful 
manner suggest ways of improvement. Do 



44 


Church Ushers' Manual 


not be dogmatic in this, but direct him by- 
friendly suggestions. When you are initiating 
a new man, give him an unstinted amount of 
your time. 

7. Encourage your helpers to study their 
work. Inspire them to exercise thought. If 
each man can be brought to have a real desire 
to bring his own and his associates’ work up 
to the highest standard, your church will soon 
be known far and wide as a hospitable church. 
Put them to work trying to solve problems and 
planning new and better ways of playing the 
host in the house of God. 

8. It might prove of definite value to have 
several copies of this or some other manual 
for circulation among them. It would be still 
better if some way could be provided for giv¬ 
ing a copy to each man who assists in the work 
of ushering. Then for a certain length of 
time require them to read it through each 
month. 

9. Mention has been made in another place 
of keeping before your men the evangelistic 
ideal. This should be interpreted as some¬ 
thing more than having the love of Christ in 
your hearts as you attend to the comfort of 
your guests; or more than expressing the hope 




The Head Usher 


45 


that in some way they may find Christ. It 
means that you and your co-workers will do 
all you can to give Christ to them. This means 
that as occasion offers, you will speak directly 
to them of their soul’s salvation. Many op¬ 
portunities will come at the close of evangelistic 
sermons to say the word that will lead some 
one to decision. Prepare your men for this. 
Ask your pastor for the names of some of the 
best handbooks for personal workers. Secure 
some copies and encourage their study. Con¬ 
sult with them upon this most important work 
and then, as Head Usher, set before them a 
challenging example. 

III. Accountability 

1. In most churches the Head Usher will 
occupy his position by appointment of some 
official body of the church; and to this body 
he is held accountable. This responsible rela¬ 
tionship should not be lightly esteemed. 

2. Generally, this body will not in any way 
restrict the activities of the ushers; but if, for 
any reason, it has seemed best for them to 
formulate any rules, take pride in closely ad¬ 
hering to them. 

3. Where regular or special reports are re- 




46 


Church Ushers' Manual 


quired, be prompt in submitting them and take 
pains in making them accurate and neat. 

4. If they lay no special requirements upon 
you, take it upon yourself to keep them regu¬ 
larly informed as to interesting details of your 
work. Especially seek their counsel and their 
approval whenever you are contemplating any 
new move of importance. Then, if they hesi¬ 
tate to give their approval or if they advise 
different methods, yield gracefully to their will 
and judgment. 

5. If there be an ushers’ association, much 
responsibility for its success will rest upon you 
as its first officer. Prove yourself a good 
leader in this respect. 

6. In this matter of accountability, the su¬ 
preme fact is that you “ serve the Lord 
Christ.” Frequently allow the Holy Spirit to 
search your heart; and, as, by His help, you 
look into the face of your divine Master, be 
dissatisfied with anything else from His lips 
than, “ Well done.” 





Ill 

THE USHERS' ASSOCIATION 

I. What it is 

1. Wherever there are a sufficient number 
of ushers and of those associated with them 
as members of the Church Welcome Commit¬ 
tee, they should be united in some sort of 
formal fellowship. The name generally given 
to such an organization is the Ushers' Asso¬ 
ciation. While a large number may increase 
interest, profitable association may be formed 
where the numbers are not many. With even 
eight or ten faithful members the movement 
can be made of real worth. 

2. In communities where the churches are 
small an Association can be formed by bring¬ 
ing the ushers of several of the churches to¬ 
gether into a common organization. This will 
prove of great value. The few workers in 
small churches need inspiration as much as the 
many in the large churches. While the large 
church may be sufficient unto itself, the smaller 
churches can overcome their handicap by unit- 

47 


48 


Church Ushers 9 Manual 


ing their forces. Incidentally, this will be a 
good developer of the spirit of church union. 

3. In cities where a number of churches 
have their own Associations, a federation be¬ 
tween them will strengthen each of them. If 
rightly directed, such an Association can yield 
a most effective influence in city-wide move¬ 
ments in the interest of church hospitality. 
Where such a federation is effected, its plan of 
organization should not be made so complex, 
or its meetings held so frequently that it would 
sap the life of the separate church Associa¬ 
tions. Three or four meetings a year will 
prove ample to make it a real stimulus for the 
association of each church, while more might 
be found to be disastrous or at least harmful. 

II. Purpose and Value 

1. The welcoming of guests in the church 
is largely a matter of heart interest. Individ¬ 
uals can express this, but it has been found 
that there is a deepening of interest whenever 
the individual workers are brought close to¬ 
gether, not only in a common service but in a 
mutual fellowship. Fellowship engenders 
spirit; and spirit stimulates fidelity, quickens 
•desire, and multiplies power for service. 




The Ushers'* Association 


49 


Loyalty is greater when it is the mutual ex¬ 
pression of a number of souls bound together 
in a common mission. 

2. Then too, an Ushers’ Association helps 
to keep all the workers actively in the ranks. 
There are always some who need special in¬ 
centives to stimulate their interest. They be¬ 
gin well; but sometimes fall by the way. This 
Association with its social features keeps some 
of these men attached to the work when other 
means fail. 

3. It likewise provides a place and time 
for conferences regarding the work the ushers 
are doing, and serves as a training school for 
those who are studying the principles of church 
ushering. 

4. It is of value for the impression that it 
makes upon the church itself. It is a constant 
reminder of the fact that some of the mem¬ 
bers are systematically endeavouring to lead 
the church in the matter of the right reception 
of its guests. It, therefore, suggests to all the 
ideal of hospitality. 

III. Organization 

1. It should have the simplest form of or¬ 
ganization. There is no need of a lengthy 




50 


Church Ushers* Manual 


constitution, or of the multiplication of offices 
or committees. 

2. The Head Usher should usually be presi¬ 
dent. The other officers should be elected. 

3. Those eligible for membership are the 
Ushers, the Reserves, and those serving by 
regular appointment on the Welcome Commit¬ 
tee. Every one should be a professing Chris¬ 
tian. 

4. A regular time of meeting should be 
appointed by the Association. In this day of 
committees, clubs, and multiplied social activi¬ 
ties it is the part of wisdom not to make these 
times too frequent. It is in danger of an early 
demise if it be made burdensome. Once a 
month, or possibly in some places, once in two 
months, will be often enough. 

5. If a suitable room, cozy and attractive 
is available in the church, that is where the 
meetings should be held. If your church 
building offers you no such room or one which 
you can make inviting, then some other one 
should be secured. Sometimes the best place 
will be found in the home of some of its mem¬ 
bers. The home atmosphere is conducive to 
the best work. It stimulates along the very 
lines of the usher’s work. 




The Ushers 9 Association 


51 


IV. Activities 

1. At every meeting there should be a con¬ 
ference about the general work. This should 
be participated in by all and should relate to 
the progress of their work of ushering. Per¬ 
sonal experiences should be exchanged and spe¬ 
cial problems with which individuals have been 
confronted should be discussed. 

2. It should be an occasion of inspiration 
and of positive planning of better things. The 
Head Usher should come with at least one 
definite suggestion designated to bring the 
work up to a higher standard. 

3. Occasionally an outside speaker should 
be engaged to present some phase of the ush¬ 
er’s work and to speak upon the general sub¬ 
ject of Church Hospitality. 

4. Elsewhere it has been suggested that 
each usher be required to read through his 
manual once a month. It might be well at 
the Association meetings to have each report 
whether or not he has observed this rule. 

5. There should always be some attractive 
social feature. See to it that they have some 
good wholesome fun. A bit of laughter shared 
by all; some songs and a cup or two of tea will 
help to make better ushers of them. 



52 


Church Ushers 9 Manual 


6. If it can be arranged, it might be well 
to meet about the supper table. At any rate, 
it will be found to be a capital idea to put on 
a man-sized banquet once a year. Invite the 
pastor and his official board. Have some good 
speeches and a genuine good time. This might 
conclude with the annual election of officers. 
Or maybe it would be better to have this meet¬ 
ing follow the election. 

7. Establish the organization in mind by 
having a group photograph taken each year. 
The men will prize these pictures and it will 
aid in holding them together. 

8. The Association should take a leading 
part in developing hospitality throughout the 
general membership of the church. Let it map 
out definite campaigns and carry them through 
with system and perseverance. 

9. There is no better group than this, in 
the whole church, to have charge of the Church 
Socials. These should be held often and wide 
publicity should be given them, that the at¬ 
tendance may be large. In churches which 
have a regular social committee appointed by 
the pastor or official board, it might be feasi¬ 
ble for the Ushers’ Association to frequently 
check up its activities. A committee is of 



The Ushers' Association 53 

value only when it functions. The ushers 
should see to it that the social committee does 
not go to sleep. 

10. Many other activities will suggest 
themselves to those who take the matter seri¬ 
ously in hand. Real thought, believing prayer, 
and the frequent reminder that in this work 
they “ serve the Lord Christ ” will bring ideas, 
energy, accomplishment, and Divine approval; 
because, in their service, they have become fel¬ 
low-helpers to the truth. 




IV 

THE PASTOR AND GOVERNING ' 
BODIES 

It may not be amiss, in a manual such as this 
which is primarily addressed to the usher, to 
add a word or two for the Pastor and the 
Official Board having general oversight over 
this part of the church work. 

I. Attitude Toward the Work 

1. Those who stand back of the ushers 
must be convinced that ushering is an im¬ 
portant factor in church work; that it is more 
than finding seats for people. They must rec¬ 
ognize the usher to be the official representa¬ 
tive of the congregation in the matter of ex¬ 
pressing the host spirit to all who come to 
worship. It is as necessary for you as pastor 
and as members of the official board to realize 
this as for the usher himself to realize it. 

2. Be impressed, especially with the spir¬ 
itual significance of this work. Few things 
will contribute as much toward the actual spir¬ 
itual results of public worship, at least for the 
stranger, as a proper atmosphere warmed by 
a cordial hospitality. It is Christian service of 
a basic and vital nature. It deserves your 
deepest consideration. 


54 


The Pastor and Governing Bodies 55 


3. Its importance is so great that you 
should see to it that adequate provision for it 
is made for every public service about the 
church. This means the services of the Lord’s 
Day and all others, not omitting the mid-week 
prayer meeting. Suppose only one stranger 
“ drops in,”—let it be into a glad welcome. 

4. Apart from seeing this work as some¬ 
thing very important, you should also recog¬ 
nize that a large share of the responsibility 
for making it a thing of success rests upon 
you. 

II. Appointments 

1. Sometimes in small churches no official 
appointments are made. Some one or two see 
the need of having ushers and just assume the 
duty as their own. Of course this is better 
than not having any one do it; and sometimes 
the work is well done; but at other times it is 
far from satisfactory. Regular appointments 
should always be made, in order that the right 
individuals may be brought into service and 
that their services may be vested with the ele¬ 
ment of accountability. 

2. As a rule it will be found advisable for 
the Board to appoint only the Head Usher, 




56 


Church Ushers* Manual 


granting to him the privilege of selecting all 
of his helpers. If it seems best, you may re¬ 
serve the right of expressing your approval or 
disapproval of the same. 

3. In this connection it should be observed 
that such authority as you see fit to delegate 
to the Head Usher should be respected. Do 
not go over his head in making suggestions to 
his appointees, nor in matters of discipline; but 
work through him. 

III. Standards 

1. If you are to be of real service to your 
church and of help to the ushers, it is neces¬ 
sary for you to be acquainted with the points 
of good ushering. Knowledge of some of 
these you may naturally possess, but some facts 
may have to be acquired. Fit yourself to be 
a real adviser. Study the Usher’s Manual, v 

2. Having determined your standards you 
must see that the ushers are guided by them. 
It is so easy for slipshod methods to creep in 
when any work becomes “ an old story.” The 
one assurance against this is a faithfully ap¬ 
plied standard. This may seem to be a good 
deal of talk about a small matter; but remem¬ 
ber, this is not a small matter. It is Kingdom 




The Pastor and Governing Bodies 57 


work; and the possible returns, of an eternal 
nature, are great. 

3. One of the best ways of standardizing 
the work, especially along the lines of fidelity 
upon the part of all participants is by requiring 
regular reports to be made. The accompany¬ 
ing form on pages 62 and 63 has been used by 
the writer. Each church may devise its own 
suitable to its circumstances. 


IV. Cooperation 

1. This word designates one of the most 
fruitful facts in human experience. In small 
undertakings as in large ones, cooperation adds 
strength for the race and shortens the way to 
the goal. 

2. Frequent consultations with the Head 
Usher will do him good, if in no other way, 
by showing him that your eyes are upon his 
work. Talking things over generally calls 
forth new ideas that lead to advance steps. 

3. A good deal of responsibility has been 
laid upon the ushers as promulgators of the 
spirit of hospitality among all the church 
members. Your cooperation in this is most 
desirable and necessary. Encourage them to 




58 


Church Ushers’ Manual 


undertake such a campaign; and then get right 
back of them and work. 

4. The suggestions made elsewhere in this 
manual relating to the evangelistic opportunity 
confronting the ushers may cause some of 
them to draw back a bit. Yet it is the crown¬ 
ing point of their ministry. If they do hesi¬ 
tate here it will be because of a feeling that 
they are not qualified for such service. At no 
point can the pastor be of greater aid than 
here; and a wise man will he be if he rises to 
the occasion. Let him explain to them the 
meaning of this opportunity and inspire them 
with a love for souls, a desire to win them 
for Christ, and with a willingness to be used in 
such work. Practical suggestions should be 
given and good books on personal work should 
be placed in their hands. He should then en¬ 
courage them as individuals to confer with him 
about the work from week to week and to re¬ 
port to him their various experiences. 

5. Another type of cooperation has to do 
with furnishing them with proper equipment 
with which to do their work. No great de¬ 
mands of this nature will be made; and yet 
some helps may sometimes be needed. Do not 
count the pennies here. 




The Pastor and Governing Bodies 59 


(a) Each usher should have his own manual. 
It is proper that these be supplied by the Board 
of Control. Give them to the men, allowing 
them to retain them as mementos of service 
when they of necessity give up the work. 
Keep a supply on hand so that all new recruits 
may from the start become “ thoroughly fur¬ 
nished ” for their work. 

( b ) If the size of the church warrants it, 
secure for them the simple badges mentioned 
in another portion of this manual, to designate 
them to strangers. 

(c) Printed leaflets giving information 
about the church life, its various meetings and 
public services, the church plant, etc., etc., will 
prove valuable to give to those guests who 
manifest special interest. All of the ushers 
and members of the Welcome Committee 
should have with them a supply of these when¬ 
ever they are on duty. 

( d ) It is hard to make a guest comfortable 
in a room where some of the simple elements 
of comfort are lacking, viz.: fans, plenty of 
hymn-books, proper ventilation, special instru¬ 
ments to enable the deaf to hear, 1 etc., etc. 
Take stock of your special equipment, then 
1 See page 15 for information about Church Acousticon. 




60 


Church Ushers 9 Manual 


make adequate provision. Do not fail here 
because of a lack of funds. Get busy! 
Where there is a will there is everything else 
that is really necessary to properly conduct the 
work. 

6. If there are enough ushers to have an 
Ushers' Association, see that there is one. 
Give it all the support it needs for its returns 
to the church life will be manifold. 

7. The easiest kind of cooperation and one 
of the very best is giving encouragement by 
word of mouth. Sincere appreciation is not 
only an effective lubricant, but a marvelous 
generator of power. How easy to speak the 
word. See that you do it to your ushers;— 
and do it often. 

8. When all has been said, the one un¬ 
paralleled type of cooperation is that which is 
exercised upon bended knee. God’s throne is 
the place at which to arrange for the success 
of every feature of the work of the Church. 
You can pray good ushers into the ranks and 
you can pray them into better ushers. You can 
pray your church into the spirit and practice 
of the warmest kind of friendly hospitality. 
Do not fail here! On your knees, that souls 
may be won for the King, through the warm 
touch of His ambassadors! 




I 


Copies of these forms bound in 
books containing 110 sheets, 8 >4 x 11 
inches, can be secured from the 
author, Rev. Willis O. Garrett, D. D., 
First Presbyterian Church, Miami, 
Fla., at $1.00 per copy. 



























































































The Head Usher should see that this is filled out each week and placed on file. Carbon copy 
should be made for the Pastor. 
































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